Sink 101

Slide 1: 

Why you need to select your sink wisely. Presented by ANO, Inc.

Important Facts : 

Important Facts Your new sink is the heart of your kitchen and your countertop project Your granite, marble, quartz or other hard surface countertop will last for a generation or more. You need a sink that will last as long as the top. If your sink goes bad you cannot replace it with a better sink later Sinks are difficult and expensive to replace A different brand will most likely not fit.

Important Facts : 

Important Facts Many fabricators offer a free sink with their countertop Because they are giving it away many of these fabricators use the cheapest sink they can find. Many of the “free” sinks are worth exactly what you pay for them. All stainless steel sinks are not created equal.

Stainless Steel Facts : 

Stainless Steel 304 stainless is optimum grade for sinks 200 series is too soft and easily damaged 400 series is too hard to press into sinks 304 is just right. Stainless Steel Facts

Stainless Steel Facts : 

Stainless Steel Facts Steel is called “stainless steel” when it has at least 11% Chromium You may have a hammer that is stainless steel. It will not rust but it does not shine like a quality sink. A quality sink will have 18% Chromium to give it shine and luster. A magnet will not stick to Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Facts : 

Nickel hardens the finish and makes the finish last. 8% nickel is the minimum amount of nickel required. 10% is better. Even if an inferior sink looks good at installation it may turn dull grey or brown with time. Some manufacturing processes such as annealing reduce the nickel content of the steel. Stainless Steel Facts

Slide 7: 

Thickness (lower the number the thicker the steel) 16 gauge Quieter for the customer Easier to handle in shop because more rigid Some of the lower price sinks my be 20 or 22 gauge. Some sinks are marketed as 16 or 18 gauge but are pressed from 16 gauge or 18 gauge. Their 16 gauge weigh less than true 18 gauge. Stainless Steel Facts

Stainless Steel Facts : 

Production methods Cold drawn Bowls are pressed individually and welded together Top deck is heavier More uniform wall thickness Annealed (heat pressed) Both bowls are pressed at one time Steel is heated during pressing. sinks are lighter reduces the nickel content and life of finish quicker and less expensive less uniform wall thickness Three Piece Welded Construction Welded seam either open or ground at angle. Stainless Steel Facts

Certification : 

Certification To be legal in US sinks must be certified for compliance with ASME A112.19.3 – 2000 CSA and UPC are the most recognized May have to prove certification to Building Inspector if not stamped on sink. Many generic sinks are not certified. Certified sinks must be stamped with manufacturer ‘s name and model number to prove certification Certification

Certification : 

Certification CNC certification Certified to meet CNC standard for use with computer operated machines and for consistency Fabricator can cut from hard template even if they do not have the sink If the customer damages the sink the replacement will fit.

Other Features : 

Other Features Sound pads All stainless steel sinks have sound and condensation pads on bottom. Generally the more pads the cheaper the steel. The pads are needed to compensate for thinner steel. Pads are made of rubber which is cheaper that steel

Other Features : 

Finishes Mirror Looks good in showroom but impractical because it scratches too easily Brushed Hides minor scratches and can be repaired. Matt dull when compared to other finishes and difficult to repair. Other Features

Features of a Top Quality Sink : 

Features of a Top Quality Sink 304 series steel with 18% Chromium and 10% Nickel Minimum true 18 gauge not pressed from 18 gauge 16 gauge is quieter and resists damage better Brushed finish; hides scratches and easily repaired Certification; must be marked with manufacturers name and model number CNC certified for size consistency Sound pad on bottom only